Assam's Moidams Recommended for UNESCO Heritage List by ICOMOS

An advisory body to UNESCO has recommended the inclusion of the Moidams, a mound-burial system from Assam's Ahom dynasty, on the World Heritage List. This recommendation was confirmed by a senior official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Friday.

The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee will be held in New Delhi from July 21-31. During this session, 27 nominations from around the globe will be reviewed, including 19 cultural sites, four natural sites, and two mixed sites. India's nomination of Moidams for the year 2023-24 falls under the category of cultural property.

ICOMOS Recommendation

Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General of ASI, explained that there are specific criteria a site must meet to receive a UNESCO world heritage tag. "The ICOMOS has recommended favourably for inscription of Moidams which means it fulfils all those parameters," he said. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), based in Paris, is a key advisory body to UNESCO whose experts visit nominated sites.

If accepted, this will be the first cultural property from northeast India to receive a UNESCO tag. Vishal V Sharma, chairperson of the World Heritage Committee and India's ambassador to UNESCO, highlighted that Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park are already recognised under natural and mixed heritage categories.

Historical Significance

The mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam was submitted as India's nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2023-24. These unique burial mounds, known as moidams, were used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for around 600 years. The Centre had informed Parliament about this nomination last December.

In his written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, then Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy shared details about the nomination. He stated that selection depends on Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), Authenticity, and Integrity. Sites must meet one of the OUV criteria as per UNESCO's Operational Guidelines 2023.

Structure and Excavation

Moidams are vaulted chambers called chow-chali, often double-storied with an arched entry passage. Layers of bricks and earth cover these hemispherical mud mounds. A polygonal toe-wall reinforces the base, with an arched gateway on the west side. Over time, vegetation covers these mounds, creating an undulating landscape resembling hillocks.

Excavations reveal that each chamber has a centrally raised platform where bodies were laid. Objects used by the deceased during their lifetime, such as royal insignia, wooden or ivory items, gold pendants, ceramic ware, weapons, clothes, and even human beings from the Luk-kha-khun clan were buried with their king.

Upcoming WHC Session

The WHC session couldn't take place physically in China in 2021 due to COVID-19 and didn't occur in Russia in 2022. This year in Delhi, over 2,000 international and national delegates from more than 150 countries are expected to attend. Several side events are planned by India and other countries.

A shopping experience featuring indigenous craft products is planned alongside excursions and tours showcasing India's digital expertise. The Ministry of Tourism has curated exhibitions along with ministries of railways, mines, electronics and information technology. Exhibitions of handlooms and handicrafts will also be featured.

Special Exhibitions

The Maharashtra government plans to display 13 scaled models of forts related to Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. An immersive experience is also being planned with virtual tours of three UNESCO sites in India: Rani Ki Vav in Gujarat, Kailash temple at Ellora caves in Maharashtra, and Halebidu temple in south India.

Work is underway to beautify areas around Bharat Mandapam where the session will be hosted. Parallel meetings include the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum from July 14-23 and the World Heritage Site Managers Forum from July 18-25.

Youth Engagement

The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum aims to bring together young people and heritage experts for intercultural learning and exchange. It provides opportunities for youth to discuss common preservation concerns and explore new roles in heritage conservation.

The World Heritage Site Managers Forum focuses on collaborative and sustainable management practices. These forums aim to foster intercultural learning among participants while addressing preservation concerns.

The upcoming session promises significant engagement with heritage conservation experts worldwide while highlighting India's rich cultural heritage through various exhibitions and immersive experiences.